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Bumble Books named Africa's best children's publishers

03 May 2016

A South African company was named the best children's publisher on the continent at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy.

Bumble Books of Noordhoek was among many publishing houses, publishers' associations and other book institutions that took part in this annual event, which ran from 4 to 7 April 2016.

Robin Stuart-Clark, founder and publishing director at Publishing Print Matters and Bumble Books, told radio station Cape Talk that the group had competed against the best children's publishers across Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Guinea and Benin had been represented.

To Stuart-Clark, the award belonged to the group's illustrators who were doing extraordinary work. "We have nothing to apologise for, we are up there with the best," he said.

Other winners

Andersen Press won the fair's Children's Publisher of the Year prize in the European category, according to The Bookseller. The award was for "publishers who have most distinguished themselves for their creative and publishing excellence over the year, showing originality as well as professional and intellectual skills".

There are also awards for Central and South America, North America, Asia and Oceania.

According to its website, Publishing Print Matters publishes books on South African art, craft and heritage "with a particular focus on those artists, craftspeople and individuals who have been overlooked yet made an impact on South African culture: they have stories to tell and vision to share that can empower our youth and restore pride in our collective heritage".

Bumble Books is its illustrated children's book imprint. It showcases new South African illustrators and authors, with an emphasis on fun and entertainment. It publishes illustrated children's books showcasing new South African illustrator- authors internationally.

Guests at the Italian book fair tweeted their enjoyment of the event:

Live painting en @BoChildrensBook #BCBF16 pic.twitter.com/Jq3qvOhzNv

— Sara Fratini (@sarafratini) April 5, 2016

So inspiring to walk around #BCBF16 and see all the worldwide trends for children's illustration! pic.twitter.com/Qi5ayWlOwS

— The Bright Group (@Bright_Group) April 5, 2016

South Africa.info reporter